Rio Unveils 13-Stage Réveillon With Record 19 Fireworks Barges as Salvador’s Virada Opens

Overview

• Rio’s operational briefing confirmed 13 official stages citywide, including three in Copacabana, and a 12‑minute shoreline fireworks show launched from 19 barges, the most ever on the city’s seafront.
• Riotur’s study projects more than 5 million attendees across Rio with roughly half in Copacabana and estimates R$ 3.34 billion in economic activity tied to the New Year program.
• MetrôRio will require a R$ 15 round‑trip passaporte with time‑banded entry from 19:00 on Dec 31 and will not accept regular cards or NFC during the special operation, with sales ending at 18:00 on Dec 31 or earlier if sold out.
• Copacabana’s main stage features Gilberto Gil with Ney Matogrosso, Belo with Alcione, João Gomes with Iza, and Alok, and producers say a drone display of about 1,200 units will complement the show, with Beija‑Flor and Grande Rio closing the Copacabana stages.
• Salvador’s Arena O Canto da Cidade opened Dec 25 with Frei Gilson, Roberto Carlos performs Dec 26, the Festival Virada runs Dec 27–31 with health, transport and security plans in place, and the mayor estimates a R$ 591 million boost, while Rio also hosts a free Réveillon Gospel at Maracanã expecting over 50,000 with Aline Barros, Fernandinho and Maria Marçal by prior registration.